Root wants England to top the Test rankings

Captain Joe Root hopes to guide England to the top of the Test rankings after leading them to a series win in Sri Lanka.

England have opened up an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with just one match left to play after they claimed a 57-run victory over Sri Lanka on day five of the second Test in Kandy on Sunday.

That was enough to wrap up England’s first series success in Sri Lanka since 2001, while it also marked the first time they have won an away series since Root succeeded Alastair Cook as Test captain in February last year.

Root, who recorded a pivotal knock of 124 during England's second innings at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, has now set his sights on not only completing a series whitewash in Sri Lanka, but also helping his side to the top of the Test rankings.

"We have to keep looking to improve" Root was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "We don't want to stand still - we have seen this group grow in the last six to eight months but we are not the finished article.

"We want to get to No 1 in the world at some point and we are going to have to be really consistent in all parts of the world to do that.

"If we keep the same attitude, drive and competition for places we will give ourselves a really good chance of getting what we want. I couldn't be more proud of the guys."

England currently sit third in the ICC Test rankings, behind South Africa and India.

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

Tom McGarry completed his sports journalist degree in 2011,and has since has become an integral part of the editorial and audio team. He is passionate about all things sport, particularly football, and is a lifelong supporter of his hometown club Carlisle United.

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